NOTE
The popularity of the IUS has varied greatly during the past 2 decades. Despite its excellence as a
method of contraception, it has yet to recover from the negative publicity generated by the
Dalkon Shield in the late 1970s. The LNG-containing IUS is effective for 5 years and the copper
T-380A is effective for 10 years, making it potentially the least expensive contraceptive
available.Four types of IUD are available in the United States. Failure rate for all is <1%.
Expulsion is higher in young, low parity women.
Ectopic pregnancy. The IUS does not increase ectopic pregnancies.
However, with pregnancy from failed IUS, the likelihood of it being ectopic is
higher because primarily, intrauterine pregnancies are prevented.
Septic abortion occurs in 50% of patients with concurrent pregnancy.
Uterine perforation, although rare, occurs more likely at time of insertion.
PID may occur within the first 2 months after placement if pathogenic
organisms are present in the reproductive tract.Copper IUD: “Paragard” contains 380 mm^2 copper, approved for 10 years
(abbrev TCu380A)
Levonorgestrel (LNg) IUD: “Mirena” contains 52 mg LNg, approved for 5
years (abbrev LNg52/5)
Levonorgestrel (LNg) IUD: “Liletta” contains 52 mg LNg, approved for 3
years (abbrev LNg52/3)
Levonorgestrel (LNg) IUD: “Skyla” contains 13.5 mg LNg, approved for 3
years